Military conscription is the duty Norwegian citizens have to serve in the Armed Forces. Since 1 January 2015, it has applied to both men and women. But most are never called in for basic military service – the Armed Forces select only those they need.
What is military conscription in Norway?
Military conscription is the duty Norwegian citizens have to defend the country, in peace and in war. The rules are set out in the Defence Act (Act of 12 August 2016 no. 77), which came into force on 1 July 2017.
Military conscription is not the same as basic military service. Conscription is the duty itself, which lasts from the year you turn 19 until you are 44 years old. Basic military service is the first, continuous service – usually 12 months.
The total service duty is up to 19 months. After basic military service, you may be called in for up to 7 months of refresher training or service with the Home Guard.
That Norway has military conscription is part of the country's preparedness and how the state is structured. If you want to understand the main features of the country you live in, you can read the overview This is Norway – facts about country and society.
Does military conscription apply to both men and women?
Yes. Norway introduced universal military conscription from 1 January 2015. Then women became conscripts on an equal footing with men. Norway was the first NATO country where both genders have the same duty to defend the country.
The rule applies to all Norwegian citizens born in 1997 or later. The first women from the 1997 cohort began basic military service in the summer of 2016. Women born before 1997 can serve voluntarily, but are not called in by force.
The equality is real, not just on paper. In 2023, 9,138 soldiers completed basic military service, and the proportion of women was 33.2 per cent. Roughly every third soldier is a woman.
What happens at session part 1 and part 2?
Session is a two-part assessment that determines if you are suitable for service. Part 1 is digital and mandatory. Part 2 is a physical meeting, and only some are called in for it.
Session part 1 comes in the year you turn 17. You receive a letter and fill out an online questionnaire about health, education and motivation. This is compulsory for everyone, both boys and girls – it has been the same for both genders since 2010.
Session part 2 is for those the Armed Forces want to look more closely at. There are physical tests, a medical check and an interview. From an annual cohort of around 60,000, up to 25,000 are called for part 2, and in part 2 it is decided who is actually suitable.
Who actually has to show up for basic military service?
Only a minority of conscripts show up for service. The Armed Forces call in those it needs, and selects from among the most suitable. This is called selection.
The figures show how great the difference is. From an annual cohort of around 60,000, only just over 9,000 complete basic military service. This means that the vast majority of conscripts are never called in.
Not being selected is completely normal. There is no punishment and no disadvantage. Being conscripted simply means that you can be called in if the Armed Forces need you.
What do you get paid during basic military service?
You don't get ordinary wages, but service pay and free food and lodging. At the end you get a discharge allowance – a lump sum when you are finished. Here are the most important rates per 2026:
| Benefit | Amount (per 2026) |
|---|---|
| Service pay | 7,275 kr per month (daily rate 242.50 kr) |
| Discharge allowance | approx. 46,700 kr after 12 months |
| Food, clothing and accommodation | free |
| Travel home | 7 free trips with 12 months of service |
In addition, there are allowances for those who have children or a spouse. After service, you can receive unemployment benefits from NAV (Labour and Welfare Administration) for up to 26 weeks while you find something to do.
Service pay and discharge allowance are tax-free. You get to keep the entire amount.
Does military conscription apply to immigrants and dual citizens?
The main rule is clear: military conscription applies to Norwegian citizens. If you only have foreign citizenship, you generally do not have military conscription in Norway.
For dual citizens, special rules apply. If you are a Norwegian citizen and at the same time a citizen of another country, you have military conscription in Norway as long as you live here – unless an agreement with the other country prevents it. If you have already completed military service in another country, you may be fully or partially exempted. If you are a citizen of a country Norway is at war with, you are exempt.
This is connected to the fact that Norway allows dual citizenship. If you want to understand the path to Norwegian citizenship and the ceremony, you can read about application for citizenship and the ceremony.
Foreign citizens living permanently in Norway may in some cases both be required to serve and seek voluntary service. An important limit is that no one can be forced into military service if it would make them stateless. The rules are set out in the Defence Act and the conscription regulations.
Can you avoid military service?
Yes, there are several lawful reasons for exemption or postponement. Health is the most common – if you are assessed as unsuitable at session, you will not be called in. You can also get postponement for education or other good reasons.
You can also refuse military service on grounds of conscience. If you have a strong pacifist conviction, you have the right to be exempt from bearing arms. This right is protected by human rights and applies to freedom of conscience and belief. Read more about human rights in Norway.
Previously, military refusers had to work in civilian conscription (civilian service). This scheme was abolished in 2012. Today, those who refuse on grounds of conscience are simply exempt – they are not assigned to other compulsory work.
The Home Guard (HV) is a separate part of the Armed Forces. It is the local force that can respond quickly to crises and has short, annual exercises. Military conscription and the Armed Forces are one of many tasks the state has – you can read about the different levels of government in Norway to see the whole picture.
In short
- Military conscription applies to Norwegian citizens, both men and women born in 1997 and later.
- Session part 1 is digital and mandatory; part 2 is physical and only for selected individuals.
- Only around 9,000 of an annual cohort of 60,000 complete basic military service.
- You get service pay of 7,275 kr per month plus free food, clothing and accommodation.
- You can be exempt on health or conscience grounds; civilian conscription was abolished in 2012.
The rules above are based on the Armed Forces, the government and the Defence Act as of 8 July 2026. Military conscription and the Armed Forces are part of the curriculum for the citizenship test. If you want to learn more about how Norway works, you can start with SamfunnPrep's guide to the first week – and practise for free on SamfunnPrep.
This article is information, not legal advice.
